Longitudinal Evaluation of Chronic Combat-Related PTSD

The primary goals for this investigation are to quantify: (1) fluctuations in PTSD symptom reports when assessed at bi-weekly intervals; (2) change in PTSD symptoms associated with stressful life events; and (3) change in PTSD symptoms associated with perceived social support.

Despite increased sophistication in measurement of PTSD, little is known about the long-term longitudinal course of this disorder or the fluctuation of symptoms over time. Because previous studies have focused on the development and persistence of symptoms immediately following a stressor, the course of the chronic disorder has been largely unexplored. Although there is evidence of both persistence and fluctuation of PTSD symptom presentation in Vietnam veterans, little is known about how much and in what ways symptoms change over time. This investigation will increase understanding of the nature and extent of symptom fluctuation as well as the longitudinal course of PTSD as first steps in determining which variables affect that course and how clinicians might intervene to alter it.

Aversive life events may constitute one factor that influences the course of chronic PTSD. Researchers and clinicians have frequently hypothesized that stressful life events account for much of the variability in course of chronic PTSD; individuals with PTSD may have a compromised ability to cope with stressors, and such events may worsen existing symptoms. Social support is another variable thought to affect the course of post-trauma symptomatology. Support from other persons has been shown to both promote psychological health in general and to protect against psychological deterioration in times of stress. This investigation will examine aversive life events and perceived social support to determine their relationships over time to symptoms of PTSD.